BADLY DRAWN BOY – IT’S WHAT I’M THINKING PART 1 – PHOTOGRAPHING SNOWFLAKES

Badly Drawn Boy, known to his parents as Damon Gough, that whispery, acousticy English indie soundscapist, has a new album. Most people who haven’t necessarily followed his mainstream career will no doubt have the familiar image of Hugh Grant’s eyes when they hear his music, owing to the success of 2002’s About A Boy score. 7 albums in, Gough’s music has evolved to include a number of glitschy found-sounds among his gentle acoustic patterings. His familiarly tentative vocals are awash in great reams of reverb here, barely distinguishable in the swirling mass of the opening track In Safe Hands. There are remnants of Elliott Smith’s twisted lyrical observations and Beatles-inspired melodies, as well as that distinctly English style of meandering melancholy that The Smiths nailed for a generation. Single Too Many Miracles is a glorious traveller, and I Saw You Walk Away is as affecting as Morrisey & Marr in their heyday. For all the mainstream lauding, Badly Drawn Boy hasn’t let the success cloud his art with unnecessary varnish or cheap hooks. This is a pretty, thoughtful record which slowly reveals its eerie details upon repeat listens.

***1/2